Heavy rain to lash the BOP

Heavy rain is forecast for the region and motorists are being asked to drive to the conditions.

Heavy rain is being forecast to hit the Bay of Plenty tonight, through to tomorrow morning.

A severe weather watch for heavy rain is in place for the Bay of Plenty, Mount Taranaki and the northwest of the South Island.

The MetService expects the heaviest falls from 11pm through to 11am on Wednesday.

"An active front, extending northwards from northern Westland on Tuesday evening, moves eastwards over the upper South Island and the North Island during Wednesday morning.

"This front is preceded by a strong and moist north to northeast flow, and is followed bydisturbed west to northwesterlies."

HEAVY RAIN WATCH

Area: Bay Of Plenty including Rotorua
Valid: 12 hours from 11pm Tuesday to 11am Wednesday
Forecast: A period of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible.Rainfall
accumulations may approach warning criteria, especially about the
eastern ranges.